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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump administration closes iconic Dupont Circle Park during WorldPride against city's objections
The Trump administration has closed Dupont Circle Park for the peak weekend of WorldPride in Washington, D.C., fencing off a landmark deeply tied to LGBTQ+ history despite objections from local officials and organizers. Keep up with the latest in + news and politics. The National Park Service and U.S. Park Police barricaded the park Thursday evening. The closure, which extends through Sunday night, includes the central fountain, grassy areas, and sidewalks within the circle but excludes the surrounding streets, according to Washington's NBC affiliate, WRC. Earlier this week, D.C. Councilmembers Brooke Pinto and Zachary Parker announced that the Metropolitan Police Department had withdrawn its request to close the park following backlash from community members. But federal officials proceeded with the shutdown anyway and have not responded to requests for comment. Related: National Park Service won't close D.C.'s Dupont Circle during WorldPride after all, officials say 'I am extremely disappointed and frustrated that Dupont Circle Park will be closed this weekend despite MPD's commitment to keep folks safe there,' Pinto said in a statement to The Advocate. 'This closure is disheartening to me and so many in our community who wanted to celebrate World Pride at this iconic symbol of our city's historic LGBTQ+ community. I wish I had better news to share.' According to a June 4 Record of Determination obtained by The Washington Post, the National Park Service said that the closure was necessary 'to secure the park, deter potential violence, reduce the risk of destructive acts and decrease the need for extensive law enforcement presence.' Despite MPD's reversal, the U.S. Park Police doubled down. In a memo to NPS Superintendent Kevin Greiss, USPP Commander Major Frank Hilsher wrote that 'the threat of violence, criminal acts, and NPS resource destruction has only increased since MPD's original April 22, 2025, park closure request.' He referenced a local DJ advertising an unpermitted party at Dupont Circle and said, 'Less restrictive measures will not suffice.' The Capital Pride Alliance, which is organizing WorldPride events, told The Advocate it was not consulted about the decision. 'This beloved landmark is central to the community that WorldPride intends to celebrate and honor,' the group said in a statement. 'It's much more than a park — for generations, it's been a gathering place for D.C.'s LGBTQ+ community, hosting First Amendment assemblies and memorial services for those we lost to the AIDS epidemic and following tragic events like the Pulse nightclub shooting.' Dupont Circle during Kermadec/Shutterstock 'This sudden move was made overnight without consultation with the Capital Pride Alliance or other local officials,' the statement continued. 'No official WorldPride activities have been planned in Dupont Circle this weekend; thus, no events will be impacted.' While MPD had initially requested the closure, Chief Pamela Smith rescinded that request in a formal letter sent Tuesday. When asked for comment Friday, MPD spokesperson Tom Lynch told The Advocate, 'We have nothing to share beyond the letter rescinding the request, which we shared on Tuesday.' D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser did not respond to The Advocate's questions, but a spokesperson pointed to an appearance she made on local radio Friday in which she discussed the fencing. She said the closure represented a breakdown in coordination between federal and local authorities. 'I think I put this in the category of an unfortunate error,' Bowser told The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi on WAMU. 'We had a communication with the Park Service… and it looks like at this stage, they're going to proceed with the closure, though we continue talks.' Pressed on whether the decision originated at the White House or with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Bowser said, 'I can't say that with any clarity. I do know, unfortunately, the public safety issue rose to the top over the cultural celebration.' She added, 'We don't control the NPS, though we will continue to try to lean on them for a different decision.' The Park Service has cited past incidents (none of which were linked to Capital Pride Alliance events), including $175,000 in damage to the fountain during Pride 2023, as well as a recent executive order from President Donald Trump instructing federal agencies to protect national monuments and public spaces. But LGBTQ+ advocates say the move appears politically motivated. The Partnership for Civil Justice Fund filed Freedom of Information Act requests this week seeking communications and records from the Department of the Interior, MPD, and the D.C. Mayor's Office. In a statement Tuesday, Executive Director Mara Verheyden-Hilliard called the decision 'a dangerous step and outside the legitimate authority of the Park Service.' Staff attorney Sarah Taitz said, 'The LGBTQ+ community and general public deserve to know how and why the decision to shut Pride out of Dupont Circle was made, and how and why that decision was reversed.' Though no official events were scheduled at the park, many saw its closure as symbolic — a federal message during a global celebration of queer life. 'World Pride will continue this weekend,' Pinto said, 'and it will be a time of celebration and commitment to uplift our LGBTQ+ neighbors.' Editor's note: This story has been updated with remarks from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Dozens testify on new ‘Peace DC' public safety legislation
WASHINGTON () — Dozens of people testified during a marathon public hearing on D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto's new Peace DC public safety and crime legislation package Wednesday. The omnibus legislation is made up of more than 10 bills, along with funding for multiple safety programs. Public hearings for those bills went on for several hours on Wednesday. Impact: DC agencies sound alarm over $1B budget cuts The legislation is a follow-up to Secure DC, which the Council That package focused on driving down violence. Expanded and extended pre-trial detention is part of the Peace DC package of bills. It was one of the more controversial and contested bills discussed during Wednesday's hearing. Over a dozen people testified against that particular bill. 'There is not short- or long-term gain. It only makes a select group of people feel better at the expense of justice,' said Scott Goldstein of Power Ed, as he testified Wednesday. Peace DC would also consolidate violence intervention programs under the Mayor's (ONSE). Currently, is operated through the Office of the Attorney General. The plan includes a three-year advisory team that will manage the transition. It would also set up consistent training for violence interrupters and establish more oversight and transparency around violence interruption contracts. 'This change is actually pretty narrow, but it empowers judges to weigh all of those equities and make a decision that's fair for the defendant, fair for the victim, and fair for our community at large,' Pinto said. This comes after the indictment and expulsion of former Councilmember Trayon White, who is accused of accepting bribes in exchange for his influence on violence intervention contracts. Others at the pubic hearing staunchly criticized the Peace DC plan's approach to combating juvenile crime. 'If I asked ChatGPT to write a bill by a politician pretending to give a … about our children, this is the bill I would get,' Theodore Nastase said. Pinto said she's hoping the new omnibus legislation can help kids already moving through the justice system and prevent others from ending up in trouble to begin with. Public safety agencies react to proposed hiring, overtime freezes in DC It creates a pilot program for justice-involved youth who are given deferred disposition or deferred prosecution agreements, where certain conditions must be met. Under the pilot, those youths would be paired with a trusted adult who ensures they comply with their requirements. 'We have to recognize that our young people, at an early age, need access to these supports of economic mobility and opportunity, and we shouldn't be waiting until the end to intervene,' said Pinto. Peace DC also creates new retention measures for police and firefighters. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DC Council hears from school leaders, students about proposed cell phone ban in schools
WASHINGTON () — The D.C. Council is considering a widespread ban on cell phones across all public and charter schools, and Tuesday afternoon, dozens of parents, students, and advocates weighed in on the proposal. The bill, introduced by Brooke Pinto, does allow some flexibility for schools to craft their policies, as long as it bans devices including cell phones, smart watches and gaming devices. There are also exemptions for some emergencies and learning plans. Boebert suggests GOP could rename DC 'District of America' By and large, this is an effort to help District students learn more efficiently. Several schools already have cell phone policies, including Hardy Middle School in Northwest D.C., which has had a policy instructing students to place their phones in a pencil case since the 2023-24 school year. 'If you had your phone, would you be as engaged in this class?' said 8th-grade student Ella Kihn, who advocated for the Westover, Hardy Middle School principal, described the benefits of the policy in her testimony to councilmembers. 'Restricting cell phones during the school day allows students to prioritize their academic and personal growth,' she said. Students unveil murals at National Cherry Blossom Festival Support was not unanimous, especially among students.'Phones are required for communication with family, work accessibility, and even homework,' said David people who testified were in favor, including people from schools that already have cell phone policies in place, some say each school is unique, and a standardized policy isn't the solution.'The policy requires schools to keep students secure throughout the entirety of the school day, which presents considerable logistical and cost implications,' said Calvery Cooper, the head of school at BASIS DC Public Charter School. Tracy White, the CEO of Paul Public Charter School, said the cost 'is not only financial, it's operational.' The cost, both for potential storage devices and staff, is unknown. Pinto said the District should be providing for a cost-effective option 'so we're not asking our schools that are already stretched so thin to take on additional burden.' 'We don't appreciate it:' DC Tesla owner speaks after car is vandalized twice Another topic discussed during the hearing was how students should or shouldn't be using phones during an emergency. Some of the experts who testified, along with Pinto, said they believed the students should be paying attention to directions and guidance from adults in those situations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Councilmember Pinto introduces new ‘Peace DC' legislation to reduce crime
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Monday, Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto introduced Peace DC, an omnibus legislation aimed at reducing crime in the District. 'It is not one intervention that is going to make all of the difference in D.C.,' said Pinto. 'It's the collection of inventions that we know make a difference.' The legislation is a follow-up to Secure DC, which the Council That package focused on driving down violence. 'By working together, we made tremendous progress in making the District safer after Secure DC went into effect last year, and we must build on that progress with focused interventions to promote sustainable peace in the District,' said Pinto. 'Peace DC will strengthen our violence prevention efforts, help set up youth and formerly incarcerated people for success and enhance support for our crucial public safety workforce.' Peace DC consists of at least a dozen separate bills and funding for multiple safety programs. In part, it will consolidate violence intervention programs under the (ONSE). Currently, is operated through the Office of the Attorney General. 'We need to have a merged system that is under mayoral control, so we have an executive agency doing this important work and connecting people with the resources that they need,' said Pinto. The plan includes a three-year advisory team that will manage the transition. It would also set up consistent training for violence interrupters and establish more oversight and transparency around violence interruption contracts. This comes after the indictment and expulsion of former Councilmember Trayon White, who is accused of accepting bribes in exchange for his influence on violence intervention contracts. 'Over the last six years we have scaled up dramatically these investments without the corresponding infrastructure support at the agency to make sure these grants are being handled with fidelity,' said Pinto. Bowser, DC leaders break ground on new recreation Center, early childhood education center in Fort Lincoln 'The one thing I saw heavy is training. Training the practitioner, conflict resolution, even domestic violence,' said Terrance Staley, executive director of the Alliance of Concerned Men, which works to eradicate violence through conflict resolution. Staley said he's generally supportive of the Peace DC plan. 'I think this consolidated training, formalized triangulation of services on behalf of juvenile prevention is what we've all been waiting for, and I think it's time for this,' he said. 'I think we've all wanted to work together, and I think that is what we see in the end, a formalized engagement that supports and respects the efforts of community practitioners.' Still, others aren't sold. 'We've seen a number of pieces of legislation that have been passed by the Council and never fully funded and therefore never implemented,' said Paul Ashton, deputy executive director of the Justice Policy Institute. Ashton said the Council should focus on funding safety plans it has already passed rather than introducing and considering new ones. 'I think really going back through the litany of strategic plans and recommendations that have been well thought out, well researched, had strong community input is the way to go,' he said. Peace DC also creates new retention measures for police and firefighters. In addition, it creates a pilot program for justice-involved youth who are given deferred disposition or deferred prosecution agreements. Under the pilot, those youths would be paired with a trusted adult who ensures they comply with their requirements. Council committees will consider the legislation in the coming weeks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DC council member defends Home Rule amid Trump's threat to intervene
The Brief D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto is defending D.C.'s Home Rule, emphasizing local leadership and improvements in crime and homelessness. Pinto cites a 35% drop in violent crime and progress in reducing homeless encampments. Mayor Muriel Bowser continues to push for D.C. to become the 51st state in response to federal takeover talks. WASHINGTON - In the wake of President Donald Trump's recent comments suggesting the federal government take control of Washington, D.C., Councilmember Brooke Pinto expressed concerns over the legitimate threat to the city's self-governance. Pinto, who represents Ward 2, emphasized that Washington, D.C. has had Home Rule for more than 50 years, allowing residents to elect their local leaders and make decisions about their city's future. The backstory Last week, aboard Air Force One, the president criticized D.C.'s governance, referencing issues such as homeless encampments and the city's handling of crime. "There are too many tents on the lawn," Trump said, calling for federal intervention. The remarks have sparked concerns among D.C. residents and leaders, with Pinto expressing dismay at the possibility of losing control over local affairs. What they're saying Pinto, in an exclusive interview on FOX 5's "On The Hill," acknowledged the anxiety surrounding the President's comments but urged that D.C. must continue focusing on the issues within its control. "What I and my colleagues are staying focused on now is doing everything we can to run our city the best way we can," Pinto said. "We ended the year following the passage of my legislation with the lowest violent crime numbers we've had in 30 years." On the issue of homelessness, Pinto pointed to the city's efforts to reduce encampments. Over the past two years, D.C. has reduced the number of people living in tents by nearly half, implementing strategies like the CARE Pilot, which connects individuals to services and housing. "We should not have people living outside in unsafe, undignified conditions," she said. "We're working to ensure that people are moved indoors into safe, dignified housing." The council member also highlighted progress in crime reduction, referencing a 35% drop in violent crime. Despite these improvements, the White House has continued to express concerns, with some federal leaders suggesting that more action is needed. Pinto assured that efforts to enhance public safety, including initiatives to support the police and reduce violent crime, are ongoing. "We've had success, but there is still work to do," Pinto said. She mentioned upcoming legislation to improve police retention and further crime reduction strategies, emphasizing a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, support for officers, and efforts to help formerly incarcerated individuals reenter society. When asked about the ongoing partnership between local and federal governments, Pinto said that while the federal government plays a critical role in areas such as crime prosecution and police reimbursement, D.C. must maintain its authority to make decisions that impact its residents. "The federal government can and should help with things like filling vacancies, supporting law enforcement, and providing resources," she explained. Pinto's comments reflect her ongoing commitment to D.C.'s self-governance and the belief that local leaders are best equipped to address the city's challenges. "I'm laser-focused on public safety, education, housing, and improving our business environment," she said. "We'll continue to work with the federal government, but our priorities remain local." The Source FOX 5's "On The Hill" hosted by Tom Fitzgerald
